Return of the Continuums (The Continuum Trilogy #2)Author: Jennifer Brody
Release Date: November 1, 2016
Publisher: Turner Publishing
Synopsis:
Reaching the surface was just the beginning.
As Myra and her friends set out to find the First Continuum, they must navigate a hostile landscape and even more hostile inhabitants of other continuums with their own ideas about the future of human race. In the pulse-quickening sequel to "The 13th Continuum," the young heroes must make an unlikely ally if they are to survive long enough to reach their destination and learn the secret behind humanity's destruction and the hope for its survival.
1. Where did the inspiration behind the series come from?
I came up with the idea during the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. As I was watching the TV news coverage of the sludge slowly spreading over the top of the ocean and suffocating birds and fish, I wondered what would happen if we couldn’t live on the surface of the Earth anymore. My influences include 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne (the underwater aspect), Foundation by Isaac Asimov (the concept), and The Lord of the Rings (the structure of a trilogy). Then on a hike with my dog Commander Ryker, I had another epiphany—the colonies wouldn’t only be underwater, but also underground and in outer space because we wouldn’t know which environment was best for long-term human survival. I also decided that professors from my alma mater—Harvard University—would be in charge of this Continuum Project.
Once I cracked the “big idea” (as we call it in Hollywood speak), I realized that I could only tell this story by using multiple points-of-view (sort of like Game of Thrones). The story kept growing and getting bigger in my mind with more Continuums (the term for the colonies) and characters, making it clear that it needed to be told over the course of three books. One of the reasons I’m most proud of my trilogy is because each book really opens the world and advances the story. They’re so rad! I can’t wait for The United Continuums (Book 3) to hit the stores in July 2017.
2. Was there any specific event or person that made you want to become an author?
As a kid, I was a voracious reader. I loved Edgar Rice Burroughs John Carter Mars novels and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings books. When I got older, I fell in love with Stephen King and Anne Rice and devoured all of their books and short stories, then when I first started writing, Neil Gaiman, Suzanne Collins, and of course J.K. Rowling were enormous influences. I also adore Clive Barker’s books and stories. I love any book with a big imagination and world, something that transports you to another realm. I strive to write books that give readers that same experience that I love so much.
3. Favorite book?
Oh wow, that’s impossible! Maybe Harry Potter or The Lord of the Rings? I also love anything by Stephen King and think he will be remembered as one of the greatest authors of all time. American Gods by Neil Gaiman and The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice are other favorites. I get to teach creative writing classes now and one of the best parts is teaching excerpts from my favorite books. The only problem is choosing which ones!
4. Any tips for aspiring authors?
Read, read, read! I always suggest writing in genres and categories that you love to read. Always have good sentences in your ears. Once you start writing, make sure to workshop your work and have lots of readers to give you constructive feedback. I know other writers and we exchange our work. If you can, go to writing conferences and join online writing groups. I run a big authors group called BookPod and we’re always accepting new members. I started it to help other authors and support them on this crazy adventure called writing and publishing.
5. What's up next for you?
Finishing up The United Continuums – the third book in the series. It’s set to publish in July 2017. Once I wrap that up, I hope to start on a “new” book. I’ve got an exciting idea that I’ve been kicking around. It’s also YA science fiction and I can’t wait to start on it. Down the road, I’d also love to revisit the world of the Continuums and possibly craft a prequel or subseries. Stay tuned!
Jennifer Brody’s debut novel The 13th
Continuum sold to Turner Publishing in a 3-book deal and is being
packaged into a feature film. The book is the first in a trilogy and
will come out in Spring 2016. She is a member of the Science Fiction
& Fantasy Writers of America. She lives and writes in LA.
She is an alumni of the Sirenland Writers Conference,
where she studied with Meg Wolitzer, and the Tin House Summer Writers
Workshop, where she studied with Victor LaValle. She recently completed a
3-week residency at The Lemon Tree House and has been accepted for a residency in Spring 2016 at the Helen R. Whiteley Center, run by the University of Washington.
She founded and runs BookPod, a social media platform for authors with 400 members. She’s also a mentor for the Young Storytellers Foundation. In Spring 2015, her mentee’s script was picked out of over 900 scripts for the Glee Big Show, where it was performed by the cast of the hit Fox TV show, and in Fall of 2015, her mentee’s script was chosen for the Biggest Show, where it was performed by Jack Black and Leslie Mann.
I came up with the idea during the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. As I was watching the TV news coverage of the sludge slowly spreading over the top of the ocean and suffocating birds and fish, I wondered what would happen if we couldn’t live on the surface of the Earth anymore. My influences include 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne (the underwater aspect), Foundation by Isaac Asimov (the concept), and The Lord of the Rings (the structure of a trilogy). Then on a hike with my dog Commander Ryker, I had another epiphany—the colonies wouldn’t only be underwater, but also underground and in outer space because we wouldn’t know which environment was best for long-term human survival. I also decided that professors from my alma mater—Harvard University—would be in charge of this Continuum Project.
Once I cracked the “big idea” (as we call it in Hollywood speak), I realized that I could only tell this story by using multiple points-of-view (sort of like Game of Thrones). The story kept growing and getting bigger in my mind with more Continuums (the term for the colonies) and characters, making it clear that it needed to be told over the course of three books. One of the reasons I’m most proud of my trilogy is because each book really opens the world and advances the story. They’re so rad! I can’t wait for The United Continuums (Book 3) to hit the stores in July 2017.
2. Was there any specific event or person that made you want to become an author?
As a kid, I was a voracious reader. I loved Edgar Rice Burroughs John Carter Mars novels and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings books. When I got older, I fell in love with Stephen King and Anne Rice and devoured all of their books and short stories, then when I first started writing, Neil Gaiman, Suzanne Collins, and of course J.K. Rowling were enormous influences. I also adore Clive Barker’s books and stories. I love any book with a big imagination and world, something that transports you to another realm. I strive to write books that give readers that same experience that I love so much.
3. Favorite book?
Oh wow, that’s impossible! Maybe Harry Potter or The Lord of the Rings? I also love anything by Stephen King and think he will be remembered as one of the greatest authors of all time. American Gods by Neil Gaiman and The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice are other favorites. I get to teach creative writing classes now and one of the best parts is teaching excerpts from my favorite books. The only problem is choosing which ones!
4. Any tips for aspiring authors?
Read, read, read! I always suggest writing in genres and categories that you love to read. Always have good sentences in your ears. Once you start writing, make sure to workshop your work and have lots of readers to give you constructive feedback. I know other writers and we exchange our work. If you can, go to writing conferences and join online writing groups. I run a big authors group called BookPod and we’re always accepting new members. I started it to help other authors and support them on this crazy adventure called writing and publishing.
5. What's up next for you?
Finishing up The United Continuums – the third book in the series. It’s set to publish in July 2017. Once I wrap that up, I hope to start on a “new” book. I’ve got an exciting idea that I’ve been kicking around. It’s also YA science fiction and I can’t wait to start on it. Down the road, I’d also love to revisit the world of the Continuums and possibly craft a prequel or subseries. Stay tuned!
Thanks for stopping by and chatting with us today, Jennifer!
Jennifer Brody’s debut novel The 13th
Continuum sold to Turner Publishing in a 3-book deal and is being
packaged into a feature film. The book is the first in a trilogy and
will come out in Spring 2016. She is a member of the Science Fiction
& Fantasy Writers of America. She lives and writes in LA.
After studying film and graduating from Harvard University, she began
her career in feature film development. Highlights include working for
Michael Bay’s Platinum Dunes and New Line Cinema, most notably on The
Lord of the Rings films and The Golden Compass. In 2008, she produced
the feature film Make It Happen for The Weinstein Company. Her recipes
and articles have appeared in xoJane, Fox News, Parade Magazine, Whole
Life Times, and Meatless Monday, and many other publications.
She founded and runs BookPod, a social media platform for authors with 400 members. She’s also a mentor for the Young Storytellers Foundation. In Spring 2015, her mentee’s script was picked out of over 900 scripts for the Glee Big Show, where it was performed by the cast of the hit Fox TV show, and in Fall of 2015, her mentee’s script was chosen for the Biggest Show, where it was performed by Jack Black and Leslie Mann.
Win (1) of (5) copies of the RETURN OF THE CONTINUUMS by Jennifer Brody -US
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